What does the Bible say about discernment? Top Scriptures on Discernment
Discernment, as discussed in the Bible, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and to make wise and spiritually sound decisions. The concept of discernment is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and relying on His wisdom to navigate life's complexities.
In the Old Testament, Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse underscores the need for individuals to rely on divine wisdom rather than solely trusting their own judgment, promoting discernment as a key aspect of a faithful life.
The New Testament also addresses discernment, with the Apostle Paul encouraging believers to develop a discerning spirit. In Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV), Paul prays, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." Here, discernment is linked to love, knowledge, and pursuing what is morally excellent.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NIV), Paul speaks about spiritual discernment, stating, "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments." This passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in providing believers with the ability to discern spiritual truths.
In essence, the Bible underscores discernment as a valuable quality that emerges from a close relationship with God, a reliance on His wisdom, and a commitment to seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. It involves an understanding of God's will and a dedication to making choices that align with His purposes and principles.
Top Bible Verses about Discernment
1 John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Philippians 1:9-10 - And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
1 Kings 3:9 - Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
1 Corinthians 2:14 - The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
John 7:24 - Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.
Matthew 10:16 - “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Read more Bible verses about discernment in the scriptures below:
